What we learned

The Redskins are back on the field in an hour. Here’s the “What We Learned” graphic from today’s E edition.

WHAT WE LEARNED

SEE RELATED:

Five things we learned from the Redskins’ 23-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Thursday night to open the preseason:

Todd Collins is the Redskins’ back up quarterback: The veteran was 8-of-11 for 70 yards in a quarter-plus of work. As long as Collins continues to show he’s functional, coach Jim Zorn’s trust in him will remain and Colt Brennan will be the third quarterback. Brennan was 4-of-12 for 43 yards and one interception while playing the entire season half.

Brian Orakpo is ready to contribute: The rookie first-round pick started at strong-side linebacker and moved to right defensive end on third down. As a pass rusher, he’ll be able to help the Redskins almost immediately. Midway through the second quarter, he was at right end and got around reserve tackle Oniel Cousins by lowering his inside shoulder to pressure quarterback Troy Smith.

DeAngelo Hall or Fred Smoot will have to cover the slot receiver: When healthy, Shawn Springs was smart enough and physical enough to cover the inside receiver spot. Justin Tryon got a shot Thursday and allowed six first-half completions for 58 yards. Hall wants the job (more interception chances) but if Greg Blache doesn’t want to move his best cover man inside, Smoot will have to step up and play bigger than his size.

The kicking competition hasn’t started yet: Shaun Suisham got the first half and Dave Rayner the second half Thursday. Suisham didn’t get on the field and Rayner started the second half with a kickoff and that was it. The worst-case scenario for the Redskins is that the offense doesn’t score that many points during the preseason and Zorn/special teams coach Danny Smith will be forced to base their decision on, gulp, practice.

The Redskins are in self preservation mode: Anybody notice how the Redskins started with a two-tight end formation? Zorn implemented personnel groupings with two tight ends or two running backs on 29 of the 56 plays from scrimmage (51.7 percent). The key for the offense is surviving the preseason and that means keeping Campbell and the other quarterbacks up right and the offensive line from being overmatched.